On the first day of the first rookie camp the first player ever signed by the Golden Knights was looking to make a big first impression.

Reid Duke got to Las Vegas early to skate with some of the Knights’ veterans during the informal workouts at City National Arena. Back in June, he was among the first to offer advice to those who the Knights selected in the entry draft. When practice began Friday, he was among the first on the ice.

Notice a pattern here?

“I’ve always been comfortable being a leader,” said the 21-year-old from Calgary prior to the first on-ice session with his fellow rookies. “Everyone here has the same goal — to make the NHL.”

Rocky Thompson, the Chicago Wolves’ head coach who is running the Knights rookie camp, was very pleased with day one, which was a combination of skills tests and normal drills utilizing both rinks at the practice facility.

“I didn’t think there were a lot of nerves,” Thompson said. “There was a lot of energy and excitement. I thought it was a great first practice.”

For Duke, these next few days are a chance to get comfortable with Thompson. They may be together in Chicago if he doesn’t make the NHL.

“He seems like a good guy, very knowledgeable,” Duke said of Thompson. “But I want to play hard and give my best effort no matter who the coach is.”

Duke was fortunate enough to see leadership up close last spring. He had enjoyed a successful year with the Brandon Wheat Kings, leading the team with 37 goals and 71 points while trying to pick up the slack of not having captain Nolan Patrick for most of the season. Patrick dealt with a sports hernia injury.

Duke became the answer to a trivia question as the Knights signed him March 6 as their first player under contract and he accepted an assignment to the American Hockey League with the Wolves.

He never saw action with the Wolves, who made it to the second round of the AHL playoffs. But he practiced with the team, which had several NHL veterans on the roster.

“It was a great learning experience watching the way guys carried themselves, how they approached hockey and how hard they worked,” Duke said. “It left a positive impression on me.”

When the Knights held their development camp in June at the Las Vegas Ice Center, there was Duke showing off his skills and being one of the most consistent performers on the ice.

There was more of the same in Friday’s first workout. Duke was paired with Alex Tuch and Tyler Wong. They appeared comfortable together, a component of Duke’s ability to fit his game with his linemates. Thompson will keep the trio together for the rookie camp, including the scrimmages with the Los Angeles Kings next Tuesday and Wednesday.

For Duke, this is a special time. He’s part of something from the very beginning and he knows he can be more than just an answer to a trivia question.

“I want to be part of this and help create a winning culture,” he said. “It’s a great situation for me, and I’m just trying to make the most of the opportunity the Golden Knights are giving me.”

The Golden Knights are looking to settle their trademark dispute with the U.S. Army. Both sides have been in a trademark dispute over the name “Golden Knights” and the primary colors of gray, gold and black. The Army says the hockey team’s use of Golden Knights as a trademark causes confusion with its parachute team. They are also known as the Golden Knights. The Army filed its complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 10. The Golden Knights filed a settlement motion with the patent office’s trademark trial and appeal board on Jan. 25. The motion gives the team 90 days to resolve issues with the Army. “We’re trying to form a joint use agreement where both sides can continue to have their name."

Golden Edge: Knights Fall 2-0 Against Ducks

Golden Edge host Bryan Salmond and Review-Journal reporters David Schoen and Steve Carp go over the Golden Knights loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

The Golden Knights took over the NHL’s points lead Saturday. On Monday, the Knights were at the top of another board. The expansion team from Las Vegas became the new betting favorite at the Westgate Superbook to win this year’s Stanley Cup at 4-1 odds. The Knights opened at 200-1 and were as high as 500-1 before the 2017-18 season, according to Westgate sports book director Jay Kornegay. “The Knights started off as the longest shot on the board to win the Stanley Cup,” Kornegay said. “No one was betting them. There was no interest, which totally makes sense for an expansion team. Now it’s crazy to say they’re the favorite to hoist the Cup."

Golden Knights forecheck

At first glance, the Knights’ 1-2-2 forecheck doesn't look unusual. But it’s the aggression the Knights use that makes their forecheck unique. “They’re a tenacious team." - Flyers coach Dave Hakstol The Knights are second in the NHL with 642 takeaways. “I think it’s a good indicator when we’re playing well is when our forecheck is going.” - center Erik Haula

Golden Edge: Knights dominate Canadiens

Bryan Salmond, Steve Carp and David Schoen talk about the Golden Knights dominant win over Montreal, including Vegas' upcoming schedule.

Bryan Salmond and Golden Knights beat writers Steve Carp and David Schoen discuss the Golden Knights matchup against the Oilers, and William Karlsson's visit from 18 special guests from Sweden who came to support their countryman and give him a special jersey.

Golden Knights players on their 5-2 win over the Blackhawks

Vegas Golden Knights players on Erik Haula's absence, James Neal's injury and their come-from-behind win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Golden Knights On Comeback Win Against Chicago

The Golden Knights react to their 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Golden Edge: Knights Get Comeback Win Against Chicago

Review-Journal reporters David Schoen and Steve Carp go over the Golden Knights comeback win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Gallant says Fleury's saves led to team's win over the Blackhawks

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant said during the post-game news conference that goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury's saves helped boost the team and led them to their 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Golden Edge: Knights fall flat against Flyers

Steve Carp and David Schoen discuss the Golden Knights loss to the Flyers, including how Philadelphia outplayed Vegas without outshooting the Knights.

Golden Knights talk about loss to Flyers

Brayden McNabb, William Karlsson and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare talk about the Golden Knights loss to the Flyers.

Gerard Gallant talks about loss to Philadelphia

Golden Knights coach talks after the Golden Knights 4-1 loss to the Flyers.

The Golden Knights’ name and sharp-looking logo may not be big with the United States Army these days. But fans seem to like it. A lot. According to Fanatics, which oversees the league’s online shop, the Knights rank No. 4 in the NHL when it comes to merchandise sales. The New York Rangers are the No. 1 team in sales, followed by the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Golden Knights logo proves popular at No. 4 in NHL merchandise

The Golden Knights’ name and sharp-looking logo may not be big with the United States Army these days. But fans seem to like it. A lot. According to Fanatics, which oversees the league’s online shop, the Knights rank No. 4 in the NHL when it comes to merchandise sales. The New York Rangers are the No. 1 team in sales, followed by the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Golden Knights React To Comeback Win Against Sharks

The Golden Knights react to their final game on the road trip against the San Jose Sharks.

Marc-Andre Fleury has had a greater impact on Pittsburgh than just on the ice Fleury and his wife opened a playground at a Pennsylvania Boys and Girls Club The Sto-Ken-Rox Boys & Girls Club is located in McKees Rock, where more than 35 percent of residents live in poverty. The playground opened last year before Fleury started playing for the Golden Knights Fleury financed the construction of a state-of-the-art playground, as well as sports equipment to play hockey.

A look at Fleury's contribution to Boys and Girls Club

Kevin Nicholson, executive director of the Sto-Ken-Rox Boys and Girls Club in McKees Rock, Penn., talks about what Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury contributed to the center before he left the Penguins. (Ed Grane/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The Golden Knights defenseman talked about his time with the Capitals Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Washington D.C. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Jason Zucker on his big season, fatherhood, Golden Knights’ success

Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker, who is from Las Vegas, says he is pleased with his play and the way the Knights have captured the hearts of his hometown speaking before the game Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 in St. Paul, Minn. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

James Neal On Representing The Golden Knights At The Nhl All-star Game

James Neal on representing the Golden Knights at the NHL All-Star Game on Sunday in Tampa, Florida. (David Schoen/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Many Pomeranians found their fur-ever homes for the holidays The Animal Foundation and the Vegas Golden Knights hosted a Pucks for Paws event, to kick-off the adoption of 164 Pomeranians found abandoned in Sandy Valley. 5 dogs were available at auction, while 10 more were available in a raffle to benefit Animal Foundation. The dogs were named by Golden Knights players and donned small Knights sweaters. The other Pomeranians will be available through an online raffle, open through Jan. 1

By the numbers: Expectations, challenges for Las Vegas’ WNBA team

The newly relocated Las Vegas WNBA franchise will begin play in the 2018 season. New owners MGM Resorts will integrate a professional franchise into Las Vegas’ busy sports landscape that’s shared with the 51s, Lights FC, Golden Knights and Raiders. Here are some of the expectations and challenges the team will have. 1. Ticket prices: The key to any sports franchise is selling season tickets and group outings. For Las Vegas’ team, that starts with locals. "(You don’t) just open the doors and tell everybody you’ve got a game and stand there waiting to sell tickets," 51s president Don Logan said. "You’ve got to get out, you’ve got to get out into the community and you’ve got to do everything we do. There’s no easy way." Last year, San Antonio charged $12 to $165 for single-game tickets for 17 home games. 2. Creating an identity: Coach Bill Laimbeer inherits a team from San Antonio that hasn’t made the playoffs or had a winning season since 2012. Las Vegas' team is also a franchise that lost its first 14 games last season before finishing a league-worst 8-26. 3. Patience will be required: Will they have to fill all 12,000 seats at Mandalay Bay for the season to be deemed successful? "They have to be realistic," Connecticut Sun CEO Mitchell Etess said. "If they could get 5,000 bodies into every single game, that would be pretty good for the first year."

Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt is leading the team in time on ice. He talks about the adjustment to the style of play in the Pacific Division, as well as his pregame "Magic trick" ritual. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)